Oxalis europaea

Family: Oxalidaceae

What it is like

Oxalis europaea is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

Waste places and as a weed of the garden.

Europe, Scandanavia to Spain, east to Italy anf Poland. Naturalized in Britain. Eastern N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant acid flavour, it makes an excellent addition to mixed salads. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet,

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position. According to some authorities this species is no more than a synonym of O. stricta. L..

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. stricta. Auct. non L.